Rom 1:21-22 (NIV) For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools. Jesus, You are teaching me how to move in the opposite direction from these people. You are trying to help me be interested in what it is going to take for me to be totally free from any of these wicked people’s characteristics. You know that I can start out right and get sabotaged along the way. So, You are laying out some very important truths for me. Let my heart and mind absorb these important steps on “What Does It Take?”.

Jesus, teach me that there are three major issues that have to be established in my heart if I am going to close the three doors to Satan. The first was that God is smarter than me, the second was, God loves me. Help me understand that once I have it settled that God is incredibly smart; and, I am sure He totally loves me, the third issue I have to face is how bad my reasoning power really is.

Jesus, there have been many times in my life when I thought I was right; and, I was actually totally wrong. The scary part is, there was one case where I was sure I was right concerning an eternal issue. It was an issue that was so important to my well-being that I was deciding whether I was going to be spending eternity with God or not. And, I was totally leaning in the “not” direction. Now that is really scary! Prov 14:12 (NIV) There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.

Jesus, help me see that I will only let God change my philosophies, opinions, and beliefs if I know they are wrong. No one will be dogmatic on ALL areas and issues of previous training. I embrace some things that are mild opinions. I have based my life on them; but, they aren’t all that important to me. Help me allow God to take those so I can see how incredible the replacement truths will be. Let that help me trust God with more “important” ones.

Jesus, when God puts His finger on some that fall into the category of “if I give this principle up, I will never have any more fun for the rest of my life.” And, when others fall under the category of “I have based my whole life on this principle; I can’t possibly be wrong on that one.” Let me start praying and asking God to help me get to the place where I will trust Him with those too. Show me that if I wait until all my easy ones get turned into much better ways of life, I will still be locked in on these other issues.

Prov 14:12 (NIV) There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. Jesus, help me see that there is one thing I need to get out of this Scripture. It is how positive I can be about something that is so wrong. Teach me that just because something makes total sense to me, it doesn’t make it truth.

• Jesus, since I have this ability of being extremely wrong about something I am sure of and God is so brilliant,
• Since I can’t love myself in a supernatural way, but, God can,
• Since my opinions effect my ability to see God’s creation clearly, but, God has the power to show it to me,
• Since I want to move away from wickedness, and God can motivate me to love righteousness,
• And since I want to close the three doors, which are my body, the world, and the devil, and Jesus is training and empowering me to do so,

Help me totally relax in God’s hands and let Him begin the process of changing my mind or confirming my thoughts on all matters of previous training.

Mat 7:22-23 (NIV) Many will say to Me on that day, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?” Then I will tell them plainly, “I never knew you. Away from Me, you evildoers!” Jesus, You are making sure I don’t fall into this category. You know what it takes for me to be totally victorious. These are the issues You are seeing to it that I am learning how to bring to a neutral point. You love me and want me to know the complete truth.

Rom 1:20 (NIV) For since the creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities--His eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. Jesus, there is so much for me to learn about God that His creation is able to show me. Teach me that the major problem the wicked have is a lack of thankfulness. Rom 1:21 (NIV) For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Help me always give glory to God and give Him thanks.

Jesus, help me let every chance I get to look at God’s creation be an opportunity to see, appreciate, and thank Him for the life and planet He gave me. Help me not let the cares of this world blind me to all that God did when He gave me this life on this earth. God help me never take my eyes off of Your creation that testifies of Your love for me. God, help me study and grow through the life of Jesus when He was living within His creation.